First Michigan West Nile virus activity reported for 2018

The first West Nile virus activity for the state was recently confirmed in mosquitoes collected in Saginaw County in late May. West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Credit entomologist Gene White

The first West Nile virus activity for the state was recently confirmed in mosquitoes collected in Saginaw County in late May.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 40 Michigan residents were diagnosed with West Nile virus last year with one death reported.

Nationally, there were 2,002 human cases of the virus and 121 deaths reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In Oakland County, five cases of West Nile virus were reported in 2017.

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West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Most people who contract the virus have no clinical symptoms of illness, but some may become ill three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

Symptoms of West Nile virus include a high fever, confusion, muscle weakness and a severe headache. More serious complications can include neurological illnesses, like meningitis and encephalitis.

Mosquito precautions:

• Keep mosquitoes out of homes and buildings by repairing screens and broken or cracked windows. Do not prop open doors;

• Removing standing water around your home and turn over any containers that can collect water, such as flowerpots, birdbaths and pet bowls;

• Clean clogged roof gutters that can trap water;

• Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated with a mosquito larvicide, which can be purchased at hardware or lawn and garden stores.

• Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitos are active in the late afternoon, dusk to dawn and early morning.